F1 Lucky to Have Schumacher, Says Ecclestone

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has encouraged Formula One spectators and enthusiasts to watch what is going on behind Michael Schumacher and Ferrari in order to see the on-track action during this year's races.

But Ecclestone said that the dominant Ferrari team, who have clinched both the Drivers' and the Constructors' Championships this year, and their dominant five-time champion Schumacher should be appreciated while they perform at their best.

"It took a while, but it was not an accident that Ferrari got their act together," Ecclestone told the Express. "They found the right people, the right designers, the right driver and, eventually got it right.

"Michael Schumacher is a fantastic sportsman, in the same way as others. It happens and we are lucky to have him."

Ecclestone said the Belgian Grand Prix was the perfect example to show fans that there is more to the sport than just Schumacher and praised the television director at Spa-Francorchamps for getting it right for the fans.

"I felt the television director got it right by focusing mainly on all those battles rather than following Michael as he went away," he said. "That's what people should do - see what he is capable of doing, admire that, and then forget him and watch the other guys trying to beat each other. That's where the action is, behind Michael."